Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp trek (ABC) climbs the Modi Khola valley from the foothills near Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high basin ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Gangapurna. This plan takes seven days from Pokhara: a drive to Siwai and a walk to Jhinu Danda, a day through Chhomrong and the forest to Bamboo, a climb to Deurali, the walk through Machhapuchhre Base Camp to ABC at 4,130 m, and a return in three days that includes the Jhinu hot springs. It is a moderate trek with steep stone stairways, mostly in forest, with teahouses at every stop. It suits fit beginners and first-timers who can walk five to seven hours a day at altitude, and it is busiest in October and April. It suits fit beginners and first-time Himalayan trekkers who can manage steep stone staircases and cold nights at the top.

What the trek is like

The first days are steep and humid, with long staircases above the Modi Khola and many suspension bridges. Chhomrong is the last big Gurung village, with views of Annapurna South, and from Bamboo the valley narrows into a gorge where avalanche chutes cross the path in winter. Above Deurali the forest ends and the trail climbs along the moraine to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (about 3,700 m) and then to ABC, where the walls of the sanctuary stand on every side. Nights at ABC are very cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag.

Highlights

• Chhomrong and its views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre
• Rhododendron and bamboo forest between Sinuwa and Deurali
• Machhapuchhre Base Camp and the final walk to the sanctuary
• Sunrise from ABC over Annapurna I, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli
• Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way down

Permits and rules

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit (ACAP) and, where the checkpoint or agency requires it, a TIMS card. Permits are checked at the Birethanti or Siwai checkposts. The Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide in national parks and conservation areas, and 2026 operator reports say checkpoints enforce it in Annapurna (ACAP), Langtang (the strictest) and most other parks, but not in Khumbu, where the municipality opted out (checked 19 October 2026). See the guide rule by region. Check current permit costs at the Nepal Tourism Board.

Best season

October and November have the clearest skies and the most visitors. March to May brings rhododendron blooms, warmer days and some haze. Winter and early spring carry a real avalanche risk between Deurali and the sanctuary, and the monsoon (June to August) makes the steps slippery and leech-ridden. If you trek after snow, ask lodge owners about conditions, and consider waiting a day.

Altitude and pacing

You gain over 2,300 m between Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) and ABC (4,130 m) in three days, which is fast. Many trekkers add a night at Himalaya or Deurali, or at Machhapuchhre Base Camp, to improve acclimatisation. Headaches or nausea at Deurali or MBC mean stopping; do not continue up with worsening symptoms. Drink water, walk slowly and be willing to descend.

Getting there and away

A jeep or taxi from Pokhara to Siwai takes about 3 hours, and from there the trail climbs to Jhinu Danda via a new road and a footpath on the east bank. The return trek follows the same trail, and the last stretch from New Bridge to Siwai is a short walk on the east-bank footpath (the west-bank track is a jeep road). A jeep from Siwai returns to Pokhara in a few hours.

Lodges, food and costs

Teahouses along the route are plentiful until Deurali, with only a few at MBC and ABC. Rooms are cheap if you eat meals at the lodge, and meal prices rise with altitude. Hot showers are available lower down and a gas-heated shower at Jhinu. ABC lodges are basic, and queues for beds form in October.

Packing list

Waterproof boots, down jacket, fleece, shell, warm hat and gloves, a sleeping bag rated to about -10 C, trekking poles, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, water purification, and a first-aid kit with blister care.

Who this trek suits and how to prepare

The trek suits fit beginners and first-time Himalayan trekkers who can handle five to seven hours of walking and thousands of steps. Prepare with stair climbing and hill walks, and practise with a loaded daypack. The steepest sections come early, so building leg strength helps. Pack lightly: porters carry heavy loads on stairs, and a smaller pack makes the days easier.

The plan at a glance

Day 1 drives to Siwai and walks to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m). Day 2 climbs through Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310 m), and day 3 climbs to Deurali (3,230 m). Day 4 reaches Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Day 5 descends to Bamboo, day 6 to Jhinu Danda and its hot springs, and day 7 walks out and drives to Pokhara.

Practical tips from the trail

• Bring a headlamp for the pre-dawn walk to see sunrise from ABC.
• Use trekking poles on the long stone staircases; they protect your knees.
• Book lodging early in October and April, because ABC and MBC fill quickly.
• Take warm clothes for ABC: nights are well below freezing.
• Ask lodge owners about avalanche conditions before moving from Deurali.
• The hot springs at Jhinu Danda are a short walk down a steep path; bring a towel and a torch for the return.

Responsible trekking

Do not buy bottled water in the sanctuary: bring purification tablets or use the refill points. Carry out your rubbish, because waste at ABC is a problem. Spend money in the lodges and hire local guides and porters.